A meeting of the UK House of Commons Transport Select Committee on Wednesday (23 April) may appoint an interim chairman following the previous incumbent’s death.

Gwyneth Dunwoody – that redoubtable champion of transport issues and general irritant to governments – including her own – died unexpectedly last Thursday – triggering a raft of tributes to her forceful but considered style.

“Members of the Transport Committee pass on their deepest condolences to the family of Mrs Gwyneth Dunwoody, Chairman of the Transport Committee, following her unexpected death,” said a Commons statement.

“Mrs Dunwoody was the longest serving member of a select committee. She was committed to public transport and over the period of her chairmanship, the Committee has had a real influence on government policy. She will be greatly missed.”

Dunwoody was a formidable character and her death will also mean a by-election in her North-West constituency of Crewe and Nantwich. Any long-term replacement on the Committee is usually agreed by the Whips Office.

ABTN would also like to express its sincere condolences – Mrs Dunwoody was a one-off, genuine supporter of transport and will be hugely missed.